Aa
HIV anxiety/phobia
Hi everyone,
I don't know if I am alone in this fear but for quite some years, I have been transfixed on the idea that I have HIV. There are good periods but then there are times when it utterly consumes me.
I have had unprotected encounters (or should I say encounter) some years ago and that is what triggered my anxiety over the disease. During this time, I have had two full STI's tests including HIV and they both have come back negative and each were when I was out of the window period.
I guess my question is, is there a chance that I could still have HIV? Perhaps the tests were done wrong both times and I got a false-negative test back each time. Do I need to go and have another test just to confirm that I do not have the disease?
I don't know if I am alone in this fear but for quite some years, I have been transfixed on the idea that I have HIV. There are good periods but then there are times when it utterly consumes me.
I have had unprotected encounters (or should I say encounter) some years ago and that is what triggered my anxiety over the disease. During this time, I have had two full STI's tests including HIV and they both have come back negative and each were when I was out of the window period.
I guess my question is, is there a chance that I could still have HIV? Perhaps the tests were done wrong both times and I got a false-negative test back each time. Do I need to go and have another test just to confirm that I do not have the disease?
You CANNOT get HIV from kissing. It just does not get transmitted that way. No way, no how. You are focusing on HIV, but if it wasn't that, you would find some other danger to focus on instead. Believe me, I know - I've done it myself. You need to work on getting your OCD under control. I know it's hard and will take some work, but it can be done. Follow the tips I recommended above and you will make progress.
I know it's hard to get the "yeah but what if" machine in your head to shut up but it can be done. Therapy, anti-anxiety drugs, exercise and distraction (keeping busy) can all be used to stop your brain from showering you with disturbing thoughts. Meditation is also very useful (or prayer, which is a form of meditation, if you are religious). You can re-program your brain to stop obsessing, but you have to work at it. It's worth the effort!
I know it's hard to get the "yeah but what if" machine in your head to shut up but it can be done. Therapy, anti-anxiety drugs, exercise and distraction (keeping busy) can all be used to stop your brain from showering you with disturbing thoughts. Meditation is also very useful (or prayer, which is a form of meditation, if you are religious). You can re-program your brain to stop obsessing, but you have to work at it. It's worth the effort!
I know how you feel, I think I got it from a kiss. I know that's not possible,but it won't leave my mind! You are not alone!
If you were beyond the window period when you had both of your HIV test, then no, there is no chance they could both have been false-negative. The tests that are used these days are very accurate. The chances of one test being a false negative are very small so the chances of getting two false negative tests are non-existent.
You are suffering from OCD. There is part of your brain that is giving you false messages that you are in danger when you are clearly not. If you were to get tested a 3rd time, you would only be feeding your OCD - you might feel relief for a short time but then you would eventually start doubting that 3rd test result and think about getting a 4th.
OCD is no fun to have, but it is a medical problem the same as if you had diabetes, a heart condition or an ulcer. If you try to ignore it and don't do anything to treat it, it will just get worse. There is no "magic bullet" to get rid of OCD, but there are things you can do to help. Seeing a therapist (either a psychologist or psychiatrist) can help. You can talk about your fears and they can help you with them. There are several approaches to combating OCD. Medication is one of them, and can be quite effective but it is not the only way. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another approach that has been shown to be effective in treating OCD. Sometimes doctors will use a combination of treatments to help you.
If you are unable to see a therapist, there are a number of self-help books that you will find helpful. Some are even available in audiobook format that some people find helpful as it is read in a friendly voice that is different from your internal voice (which has been telling you all these false messages). Two that I like are "Worry" by Dr. Edward Hallowell and "You Are Not Your Brain" by doctors Jeffrey M. Schwartz and Rebecca Gladding.
Things you can do right away that will help are to get plenty of sleep, eat regular nutritious meals, exercise vigorously every day, pray or meditate and have regular social interaction (both to have someone to talk to about what is bothering you and to distract you from continuously thinking about it).
You are suffering from OCD. There is part of your brain that is giving you false messages that you are in danger when you are clearly not. If you were to get tested a 3rd time, you would only be feeding your OCD - you might feel relief for a short time but then you would eventually start doubting that 3rd test result and think about getting a 4th.
OCD is no fun to have, but it is a medical problem the same as if you had diabetes, a heart condition or an ulcer. If you try to ignore it and don't do anything to treat it, it will just get worse. There is no "magic bullet" to get rid of OCD, but there are things you can do to help. Seeing a therapist (either a psychologist or psychiatrist) can help. You can talk about your fears and they can help you with them. There are several approaches to combating OCD. Medication is one of them, and can be quite effective but it is not the only way. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another approach that has been shown to be effective in treating OCD. Sometimes doctors will use a combination of treatments to help you.
If you are unable to see a therapist, there are a number of self-help books that you will find helpful. Some are even available in audiobook format that some people find helpful as it is read in a friendly voice that is different from your internal voice (which has been telling you all these false messages). Two that I like are "Worry" by Dr. Edward Hallowell and "You Are Not Your Brain" by doctors Jeffrey M. Schwartz and Rebecca Gladding.
Things you can do right away that will help are to get plenty of sleep, eat regular nutritious meals, exercise vigorously every day, pray or meditate and have regular social interaction (both to have someone to talk to about what is bothering you and to distract you from continuously thinking about it).
I had a night out which I dont really remember which I was out with a girl. Ive had every symptom under the sun but have also had 20 negative tests out to 9mths. I feel for ya man, its a nightmare
1 Comments
It looks like you have ocd , a normal person will feel relaxed after testing and will not bother to check again but persons suffering from ocd have tendancy of checking and testing.
Testing again will not solve the problem , you need to consult a psychiatrist for medicine and therapy.
Testing again will not solve the problem , you need to consult a psychiatrist for medicine and therapy.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
